Capricorn, bear and wilderness

Early evening on one of the few rainy days of my trip in a Kurdish region, the mountains in the background are already part of my destination, the Munzur Vadisi National Park:

The Munzur Valley National Park is much more than just a protected natural area for the people who live in the region—it is home, a livelihood, and a place full of history. The deep valleys, clear rivers, and dense forests are not only a paradise for wildlife but also an essential part of daily life for the locals.

For the villagers along the Munzur River, nature is not just beautiful but sacred. The river itself is often revered as "Munzur Baba," and many of its springs are considered holy. For generations, people here have relied on the fertile land for agriculture and livestock farming. In summer, the mountain pastures are filled with nomads and their flocks, and the honey from the region is highly valued for its purity.

But the national park is not just a place of life—it is also a place of resistance. Many locals fight to preserve its unique nature, as there are ongoing plans for dams and other projects that threaten the delicate balance of the ecosystem

For the people of Tunceli and the surrounding villages, the Munzur Valley National Park is not just a piece of untouched nature—it is a symbol of their culture, their beliefs, and their deep connection to the land. | Turkey